Arch Support

The height of the arch is not necessarily a problem - it is how the foot functions that can be the problem. There are a lot of people with high and low arches that never have problems. If the foot is pronated (which lowers the arch, by rolling in at the ankles), there can be problems. There are a wide range of underlying causes for the arch lowering such as the foot pronating (there is not really such a thing as a "fallen arch" in the medical literature now). Too much emphasis gets placed on the static height of the arch and not enough on how the foot may function during walking and running.

The arches are quite capable of supporting themselves if they are given help. Devices such as foot orthotics are used to alter foot function, so the foot can restore its own arch. The foots own arch support mechanism is often called the windlass mechanism. The idea of foot orthotics, which may look like good old fashioned arch supports, is to facilitate this mechanism. Foot orthotics are not an expensive name for arch supports.

The use of foot orthotics is the mainstay of the treatment of what some consider to be "fallen arches". Not all foot orthotics are considered equal and there are as many different variables that can go into them as there are feet, hence the importance of a proper diagnosis. Foot orthotics (or "arch supports") will only help if the symptoms are due to abnormal function (or "fallen arches"). Not everyone with a problem needs a foot orthotic.

More information on arch support and foot orthotics. You can ask a question about foot orthotics at the Foot Health Forum. Croydon Total Footcare can give adive on all issues associated with arch supports and foot orthotics. We have a range of types to suit a range of foot problems and foot types.